Aluminum Scaffold Tower vs. Steel Scaffold Tower
Ever consider the difference between an aluminum scaffold tower vs. steel? Maybe you were unaware there was a difference between the two and how they performed. Or perhaps you never really gave it much thought.
In this article we're going to pull up some stats, lay them out side by side and compare notes. Then we'll take what we've learned and help identify if aluminum is the right choice for your needs. There are a few key features that should be taken into consideration when choosing aluminum over steel. The overall weight of the scaffold. How sturdy it feels while performing your tasks and it's load capacity.
Keep in mind that I'm only considering free standing scaffolds in this article. This will help us draw a fair assessment between the two. When a scaffold is tied back to a structure it changes it's structural integrity.
First lets take a look at the load rating for each next to their gross weight.
Gross Weight & Load Rating.
A multi deck 12' aluminum scaffold tower with a 650 lb. load capacity usually comes in around 250 lbs. A similar 12' steel frame scaffold with the same dimensions will weigh around 490 lbs. but has a 1000 lb load capacity.
As you can see, the steel is significantly heavier then the aluminum, however, you do benefit from a higher load rating. There's nothing wrong with this, but it will help us reflect on how much of a load rating we're going to need.
A majority of my time spent on a scaffold, I'm alone. Since I only weight about 180 lbs., the 650 lb. load capacity that the aluminum provides is perfect. If your task demands another person or you have an excessive amount of weight on the deck with you, you might want to consider the steel for its increased load rating.
I have been up and down my share of scaffolds over the years and in this time I've learned quite a bit about how to keep things safe.
How Sturdy is Aluminum vs. Steel
I have been up and down my share of scaffolds over the years and in this time I've learned quite a bit about how to keep things safe.
Sturdiness is one of the key components of a safe scaffold. I'm not implying that either of these two scaffolds are unsafe. I'm simply stating that those of you who are not comfortable with heights, this could be a factor in how safe you view the scaffold to be.
Personally, I don't see much of a difference in the two in the amount of play there is once you are on the top deck. Both have a certain amount of give to them, but most of this comes from the wheels. Even when they're locked there is still some movement.
In my opinion, an aluminum scaffold tower is just as sturdy from the top deck as the steel. You can feel the weight difference. But in no way did I draw any conclusion that it was inferior.
Let me suggest to you a couple of challenges that I've ran into where the aluminum outperformed the steel.
Aluminum scaffold tower is perfect for someone who plans on assembling and disassembling frequently. It's much easier to handle the lightweight aluminum, then it is the steel. The setup and breakdown process goes much faster and with less effort of your part.
It's also perfect for someone who works alone. It takes much less effort for a single person to assemble an aluminum scaffold. It's also safer and there's less chance of injury. Something to take serious if it's going to be used in a commercial setting. Strained backs make up a large portion of the injuries recorded by OSHA.
Speaking from experience this saved me a lot of wear and tear on my body.
If you're looking for something light and maneuverable, they're far superior. Much easier to move around, hop small obstacles and get to your destination. You can feel the weight difference between the two.
Hopefully this has shed a little light on things and helped in the decision making process.
Personally, I don't see much of a difference in the two in the amount of play there is once you are on the top deck. Both have a certain amount of give to them, but most of this comes from the wheels. Even when they're locked there is still some movement.
In my opinion, an aluminum scaffold tower is just as sturdy from the top deck as the steel. You can feel the weight difference. But in no way did I draw any conclusion that it was inferior.
When Should I Go With an Aluminum Scaffold Tower?
Let me suggest to you a couple of challenges that I've ran into where the aluminum outperformed the steel.
Aluminum scaffold tower is perfect for someone who plans on assembling and disassembling frequently. It's much easier to handle the lightweight aluminum, then it is the steel. The setup and breakdown process goes much faster and with less effort of your part.
It's also perfect for someone who works alone. It takes much less effort for a single person to assemble an aluminum scaffold. It's also safer and there's less chance of injury. Something to take serious if it's going to be used in a commercial setting. Strained backs make up a large portion of the injuries recorded by OSHA.
Speaking from experience this saved me a lot of wear and tear on my body.
If you're looking for something light and maneuverable, they're far superior. Much easier to move around, hop small obstacles and get to your destination. You can feel the weight difference between the two.
Hopefully this has shed a little light on things and helped in the decision making process.
I attached one that I would recommend below.
Check it out...
Aluminum Scaffold Tower Rated at 650 lb.
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| (Click the Image for More Info) |
The lightweight framework is really nice. It definitely outweighs the fact that there might be a little more shake in it once you're on the deck. It's nothing worth worrying about. Just depends on your tolerance for movement in the scaffold the higher you are in the air.
Having an outrigging system is a must have for any scaffold that is over 1 deck high. I wouldn't recommend taking them off or modifying them in any way. It only takes a moment to displace your center of gravity and that's not something you want when you're 20' in the air. Gravity usually wins.
Using the 17' scaffold you should have no issue reaching a 20' high ceiling.
I love how easy it is to access each deck. There are trap doors located on each deck on opposite sides of each other. Once you access the first deck you will need to walk back across to the other side of the scaffold and use that ladder to access the trap door for the top deck.
The top deck comes equipped with toeboard, mid rail and top rail. Once you step onto the top deck there should be no concern of falling.
If you plan on using this in a commercial setting, I would highly recommend purchasing some scaffold netting. This will help protect whats below in the rare chance you drop something.
This is a very well rounded scaffold that will be right along side you for years to come.
I love how easy it is to access each deck. There are trap doors located on each deck on opposite sides of each other. Once you access the first deck you will need to walk back across to the other side of the scaffold and use that ladder to access the trap door for the top deck.
The top deck comes equipped with toeboard, mid rail and top rail. Once you step onto the top deck there should be no concern of falling.
If you plan on using this in a commercial setting, I would highly recommend purchasing some scaffold netting. This will help protect whats below in the rare chance you drop something.
This is a very well rounded scaffold that will be right along side you for years to come.
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